Is Kratom Legal in South Carolina?
Complete guide to kratom laws, regulations, and where to buy in South Carolina.
ℹ️ Legal status is rechecked every morning against state legislative filings and regulatory actions. Last checked November 8, 2026. Laws can change — always verify with your local authorities.
📋 Table of Contents
- South Carolina Kratom Laws Overview
- South Carolina’s KCPA (Act No. 35, 2025)
- What This Means for Consumers
- County & City-Level Exceptions
- Where to Buy Kratom in South Carolina
- Buying Kratom Online in South Carolina
- How South Carolina Compares to Other States
- Is Kratom FDA Approved?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Sources
🏛️ Active Kratom Legislation in South Carolina
✅ No active kratom legislation tracked in South Carolina this session. We monitor every kratom-related bill filed in all 51 U.S. jurisdictions daily. If a new bill is introduced, it will appear here automatically.
📬 Get an email if South Carolina's kratom laws change. Free alerts when a bill moves. No marketing — just policy.
We email you only when South Carolina kratom legislation moves. Unsubscribe anytime. Privacy policy.
South Carolina Kratom Laws Overview
Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is legal to buy, sell, and possess in the state of South Carolina for adults 21 and older. It is not classified as a controlled substance under South Carolina Code Title 44, Chapter 53 (Poisons, Drugs, and Other Controlled Substances); instead, it is regulated by the state’s Kratom Consumer Protection Act, codified in that same chapter.
In May 2025, South Carolina passed a Kratom Consumer Protection Act: S.221, enacted as Act No. 35 and signed by Governor Henry McMaster on May 12, 2025. The law took effect July 11, 2025. It regulates the sale and labeling of kratom products in the state and bars sales to anyone under 21, joining a growing group of KCPA states.
This shifts South Carolina from an unregulated market to one where kratom products must meet state-level standards for labeling and age-restricted sale. It also makes buying from reputable, KCPA-compliant vendors the default expectation for consumers.
South Carolina’s Kratom Consumer Protection Act (Act No. 35)
The Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA) is model legislation developed by the American Kratom Association (AKA) that creates a regulatory framework for kratom sales. South Carolina’s version, S.221, Act No. 35, passed both chambers in 2025 and was signed into law by the Governor on May 12, 2025, taking effect July 11, 2025.
South Carolina joins states such as Florida, Nevada, Georgia, Arizona, Oklahoma, Utah, and Virginia in adopting KCPA-style consumer protections. Act No. 35 prohibits selling kratom to anyone under 21, requires product labeling, and bars the sale of kratom products that contain fully synthetic alkaloids or harmful non-kratom ingredients.
One caveat: in an opinion dated December 10, 2025, the South Carolina Attorney General noted that Act No. 35 does not assign any state agency to enforce it. The law remains on the books, but enforcement may depend on future amendments. For responsible vendors, the KCPA formalizes what we already do voluntarily: GMP manufacturing, third-party lab testing, and full product transparency. Note: consult the bill text linked above for the specific labeling, age, and compliance requirements.
What This Means for South Carolina Consumers
With Act No. 35 in place, South Carolina consumers have state-level rules on their side, but should still be proactive about product quality:
State Age Restriction: 21+
Under Act No. 35, it is unlawful to sell kratom products to anyone under 21 in South Carolina, and retailers may not display products where people under 21 can access them. Some vendors in other states sell to customers 18 or older, but in South Carolina the 21+ rule applies to in-store and online purchases.
State Labeling Requirements
Act No. 35 establishes state-level labeling requirements for kratom products sold in South Carolina, and products that fail those requirements may not be sold. Always look for vendors who provide detailed product information including third-party lab certificates.
Product Standards and Lab Testing
South Carolina’s KCPA prohibits the sale of kratom products that contain fully synthetic alkaloids or harmful non-kratom ingredients. Our kratom products come with third-party certificates of analysis (COAs) verifying purity, potency, and the absence of contaminants.
General Consumer Protection Laws Apply
South Carolina’s general consumer protection statutes still apply to kratom sales. Vendors cannot make false claims, sell adulterated products, or engage in deceptive trade practices under existing state law.
County & City-Level Exceptions in South Carolina
As of October 2026, we are not aware of any county or city-level bans on kratom in South Carolina. Kratom is legal for adults 21+ throughout the state, including all major cities:
- Charleston: legal for adults 21+
- Columbia: legal for adults 21+
- Greenville: legal for adults 21+
- Myrtle Beach: legal for adults 21+
- Rock Hill: legal for adults 21+
- Spartanburg: legal for adults 21+
- Mount Pleasant: legal for adults 21+
While no local jurisdictions are known to have banned kratom, it’s always a good idea to check with your local government for the most current information.
Where to Buy Kratom in South Carolina
South Carolina has a growing kratom market, particularly in larger cities like Charleston, Columbia, and Greenville. You can find kratom at various retail locations throughout the state.
In-Store Shopping
Kratom is available at smoke shops, herbal stores, and specialty retailers across South Carolina. When shopping in person, look for stores that:
- Display certificates of analysis (COAs) for their products
- Carry products from AKA Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) certified vendors
- Have knowledgeable staff who can discuss different strains and serving sizes
- Properly label all products with ingredients, weight, and manufacturer information
Even with Act No. 35 in place, enforcement is limited and product quality in retail stores can vary significantly. Exercise caution and prioritize stores that demonstrate a commitment to quality.
Buying Kratom Online in South Carolina
Ordering kratom online is the most popular and often the best way to purchase kratom in South Carolina. Online vendors like Amazing Botanicals offer several advantages:
- Better prices — Without the overhead of physical retail, online prices are typically 30-50% lower
- Wider selection — Browse dozens of kratom strains including popular options like Maeng Da, Bali, and Borneo
- Lab-tested quality — Every batch at Amazing Botanicals comes with third-party COAs
- Convenient formats — Choose from kratom powder, kratom capsules, and more
- Fast shipping to South Carolina — We ship to all South Carolina addresses with fast, discreet delivery
Because quality still varies between sellers, buying from a trusted online vendor with transparent lab testing is especially important for South Carolina consumers.
How South Carolina Compares to Other States
South Carolina now falls into the category of states where kratom is legal and regulated under a KCPA-style law. Here’s how the Palmetto State stacks up:
States with KCPA Laws
States with Kratom Consumer Protection Acts or similar kratom laws include Florida, Nevada, Georgia, Arizona, Oklahoma, Utah, Virginia, and, as of May 2025, South Carolina. The KCPAs in these states generally follow the American Kratom Association’s model framework for kratom regulation.
States Where Kratom Is Banned
Several states ban kratom entirely, including Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Vermont, and Wisconsin. South Carolina chose regulation rather than a ban with Act No. 35.
Other State Approaches
Other states regulate kratom in different ways. Texas caps 7-OH and bars sales to anyone under 18 under SB 497 (2023), and Minnesota raised its purchase age to 21 effective August 1, 2026. Some states, such as Idaho, Missouri, and Washington, still have no statewide kratom law, while states like Kansas and California have their own rules worth checking before you buy.
Is Kratom FDA Approved?
No — kratom is not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for any wellness use. The FDA has not evaluated kratom as a management, resolve, or prevention for any condition or wellness condition.
The FDA has expressed concerns about kratom and has issued import alerts on kratom products. However, the kratom plant and mitragynine are not federally scheduled. The DEA temporarily placed mitragynine pseudoindoxyl, MGM-15 and MGM-16 in Schedule I effective August 26, 2026, and on October 14, 2026 it published a revised notice of intent to temporarily schedule 7-OH and mitragynine pseudoindoxyl above a concentration threshold; that order can take effect on or after November 13, 2026.
Key organizations working to advance kratom research and advocacy include:
- American Kratom Association (AKA) — The leading advocacy organization that developed the KCPA model legislation
- Botanical Education Alliance (BEA) — Funds scientific research on kratom and its alkaloids
At Amazing Botanicals, we support responsible kratom use and advocate for sensible regulation. We comply with all applicable laws and never make wellness claims about our products. Our kratom dosage guide provides general information to help consumers make informed decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kratom in South Carolina
Yes, kratom is legal in South Carolina for adults 21 and older. The state’s Kratom Consumer Protection Act (Act No. 35), signed May 12, 2025 and effective July 11, 2025, regulates kratom labeling and sale. Kratom is not banned or classified as a controlled substance in the state.
You must be at least 21. Act No. 35, effective July 11, 2025, makes it unlawful to sell kratom products to anyone under 21 in South Carolina. A December 2025 Attorney General opinion noted that no state agency was assigned to enforce the law, but the age limit is still state law.
Yes, adults 21 and older can buy kratom online and have it shipped to any address in South Carolina. Online vendors like Amazing Botanicals offer lab-tested kratom products with fast shipping throughout the state. Buying online is often the best option for quality and value.
Yes. South Carolina enacted the Kratom Consumer Protection Act as Act No. 35, signed May 12, 2025 and effective July 11, 2025. The law sets a 21+ age limit and labeling requirements for kratom products. A December 10, 2025 Attorney General opinion noted that the Act does not assign an agency to enforce it. See S.221 on the SC Legislature website for the full bill text.
Yes, kratom is legal for adults 21+ in Charleston and Charleston County. We are not aware of any local ordinances restricting kratom there. You can purchase kratom from local stores or order online for delivery to any Charleston address.
As of October 2026, we are not aware of any city or county-level bans on kratom in South Carolina. Kratom is legal for adults 21+ throughout the state, including Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, Myrtle Beach, and other cities.
Yes, adults can legally carry kratom while traveling throughout South Carolina. Kratom is also legal in neighboring North Carolina and Georgia. The kratom plant and mitragynine are not federally controlled substances, though the DEA has temporarily placed certain kratom-derived compounds (mitragynine pseudoindoxyl, MGM-15 and MGM-16) in Schedule I since August 26, 2026, and a revised order covering 7-OH above a concentration threshold can take effect on or after November 13, 2026.
You can buy kratom at smoke shops, herbal stores, and specialty retailers throughout South Carolina, particularly in Charleston, Columbia, and Greenville. For the best quality and prices, order online from reputable vendors like Amazing Botanicals that provide lab-tested products with certificates of analysis.
Sources
Shop Lab-Tested Kratom — Shipped to South Carolina
Premium kratom powder, capsules, and extracts with third-party COAs. Fast shipping to all South Carolina addresses.
Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Kratom is not approved by the FDA for any wellness use. We do not make wellness claims about kratom. Laws can change — always verify current local, state, and federal regulations before purchasing or traveling with kratom. Last updated: October 2026.
Is 7-OH (7-hydroxymitragynine) legal in South Carolina?
KCPA LIMIT
KCPA in force. 7-OH capped as a share of total alkaloids.
A Kratom Consumer Protection Act caps 7-OH as a share of total alkaloids and bars adulteration with synthetic alkaloids.
Federal status: 7-OH is not yet federally scheduled, but the DEA filed notices of intent on July 1, 2026 and a temporary Schedule I order is expected on or after August 5, 2026, effective the day it publishes. That will apply in South Carolina regardless of state law.